Page 36 of Another Love, Another Time

River

“Are we going after the hard stuff, or are we sticking with beer?” My uncle chuckles and taps the steering wheel.

I lean my forehead against the window and respond, “What would you drink if you were me?” I wipe my eyes, and he laughs again.

“Girl, I don’t think there is anything strong enough.”

“You’re right; There isn’t anything strong enough.”

We remain in silence until he breaks it with a topic I don’t want to discuss. “I heard congratulations are in order.” I turn my head to look at him. He glances at me and then back at the road.

“What are you talking about?” I ask, playing dumb.

“Auggie said that you’re married. When the hell was that, and why was I not invited?” Uncle Eddie never was one to beat around the bush.

“Oh. That.”

“Yes, that! Riv, what the hell?” Despite his words, I can tell he’s joking with me. Even so, I start tearing up.

“Yeah, I’m married. You remember Baxter?”

“Is that the kid who was with you at your graduation?”

“Yeah. Well, that’s him, my husband.”

“Really? That’s all you have to say?”

I sniffle and then sit up straighter in my seat. I knew I was going to have to explain myself, but I should be having this discussion with Auggie first. “My mom knows. I wasn’t really talking to anyone back then, so I asked my mom to keep it quiet. It’s the least she could do.”

“I’m not going to say that doesn’t hurt. I’ve always thought of you as a daughter. I would have loved to be there with you to celebrate, but I get it. I do think there’s a lot that you and Auggie need to discuss.” He opens his center console, grabs a napkin, and hands it over.

“Apparently.” I wipe under my eyes.

“Hey, Mrs. Baxter.”

I hang my head in shame. I don’t have the right to be jealous, but I’m still hurt. My heart aches. Did I think he would be a choir boy? No, but he knew how I felt about Melissa.

I shouldn’t be surprised; I mean, I did catch them kissing at prom. I saw them together at my dad’s funeral. Why did I think they wouldn’t be together now, especially with the lengths she went to? It doesn’t matter. All I can give him right now is friendship and being his partner.

“Hey,” he says and waits until I look at him.

“I missed you, kiddo. Everyone did. I know Auggie really missed you.” That brings on another round of tears.

He pauses, thinking about something. “When you went off to the Army, it didn’t just affect you and Auggie; it affected the whole family.

I know you had your reasons, but I just wanted you to know that your absence left a huge hole.

Everyone is excited that you’re back home.

” He waits until I’ve pulled myself together.

I know I’m avoiding certain conversations. There was a time when I was mad at our parents, too. I need to speak with them after I speak with Auggie. Auggie first, then the parents.

“Tequila,” I say and then smirk, wanting to change the subject. I just don’t want to talk about it yet. It looks like I will be having my talk with Auggie sooner rather than later.

“Oh no.” He groans, knowing I’m answering his initial question. “I remember how your mom used to get when she drank tequila. Don’t make me have to carry you home.”

“Don’t worry. I’m feeling like some margaritas. I’m going to try to be sweet without being too salty tonight.”

“You’re the boss. Maybe you can even get your Aunt Connie to drink one with you.”

~~

When we get back, most of the family has arrived. We did shots shortly before walking in. I may have had two to his one, but I’ve loosened up. I feel better.

I walk through the garage with the supplies. “Who wants some margaritas?”

My mom looks up at me with a worried expression, instantly making me feel bad. I know when I ran, it didn’t only affect Auggie and me. I see it with everyone walking on eggshells around me. I knew Uncle Eddie wouldn’t do that.

Uncle Chris walks up. “I don’t want a margarita, but I’ll take a shot of tequila.”

“Okie dokie.” I pull out shot glasses and pour him one and then one for myself. He holds his up, and I ask, “Are we toasting to something?” I hold my shot glass up to his and smile.

“To those who wish us well. The rest can go to hell!” We clink our glasses together. The liquid burns going down.

“Hey, you couldn’t wait for me?”

I hear a familiar voice behind me. I whip around to see Logan. I run and jump at him.

“Hey, River. Good to see you too.” Logan is beaming.

“Hey, big head. I missed you.”

He laughs cheekily. “I couldn’t tell.”

“I’m so glad you’re here.”

Logan is another reason I’m here. When I left, I made it clear that I didn’t want to know anything about Auggie, and I didn’t want Auggie to know anything about me.

I didn’t want to hurt Auggie. Logan knew I was married.

He’d been there when it happened. I’m glad he kept his promise to me that he wouldn’t tell Auggie anything.

Their friendship might take a hit. I’m sure that when Logan made that promise, he knew what was at stake. When my contract was coming up for renewal, I could have re-upped or gotten out. I told him my plan, and he thought it was a good one.

“When did you get in?” I ask.

“This morning. We had a game last night, and I drove all night to get here.”

“You must be tired.”

“Yeah, I am, but I’m used to it.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal. I realize I’m still hugging him, and I let go.

“I’m going to make some margaritas,” I tell him. “I’m going to need them to get through the evening.”

“Oh yeah. I heard about the welcoming committee.” He laughs and covers it with a fist.

Shaking my head at him, I walk back over to my supplies. Aunt Connie brought down her shaker cup for me to make the drinks.

“Oh, shush. You could have warned me.” He’s still laughing.

“Where would the fun in that be?” I stick my tongue out at him. I pour all the ingredients into the shaker cup and shake up the liquid. I rim the salt on the cup, pour the liquid in with the ice, and take a sip. “I think I outdid myself,” I tell Logan. “You want a sip?”

He leans on the counter. “No thanks. It’s not in my diet. If I want to make it to the big leagues, no slip-ups.”

“That just means more for me.” I give him a cheeky grin.

“Let’s go upstairs. I think the food is ready.” He pushes me.

“Oh, so the food upstairs is in your diet, huh?”

“I’m sure I can find something. Aunt Connie usually has something for me.”

We start walking towards the stairs. I grab his arm, and he turns back. “Please don’t leave me alone, Logan. I’m going to need you to get through this.”

“I won’t, Riv. I got your back.” We fist bump.

I am pretty hungry. Aunt Connie said she was making that corn dip, which I’ve been craving ever since the party.

When we get upstairs, I’m bombarded by all the people I haven’t seen in five years. Logan keeps his word and stays with me. His mom tries to get his attention, but he gives her a look that I think means he needs to stay by my side.

I see some of my co-workers, including Mackey. There are several others I don’t recognize at all.

Logan drags me to the food, and I immediately gravitate toward the corn dip.

I’ve been trying to avoid Melissa, which is easy because she hasn’t left Auggie’s side all night.

I think Auggie is truly scared to come anywhere near me.

When I do catch him looking at me, I see the apology written on his face.

I don’t care. Does it hurt? Yes, but I can’t do anything about it.

I ran, and I have to face the consequences.

I always knew that if I left him alone too long, she would get her claws in him.

Once Logan is finished warming up the plate Aunt Connie made up for him, we head outside to the table on the deck.

~~

After finishing our plates and talking to the people at the table, I tell Logan I’m going to the bathroom and go into the one upstairs. I haven’t seen Auggie and Melissa in a while. Maybe they left? I don’t know why I even care. “Yes, you do,” I correct myself.

I turn on the light and lock the door. I’ve slowed down my drinking since I need to be able to drive home.

I’ve been drinking water. I know Aunt Connie would let me crash here, or Mom could take me home.

I’m starting to get tired. Logan will stay here as long as I want him too, but he has an early morning.

I flush the toilet and wash my hands. I’m caught off guard when the door pushes open and closes. I go to scream, but a hand covers my mouth. My heart thunders in my chest. I look up and see that it’s Auggie.

“Shh. Don’t scream. I’ve been trying to get you alone all night, and this is the first time I’ve had a chance.”

“What the hell, Auggie? What are we, five? If you wanted to talk, all you had to do was ask.”

“Sorry. I needed to get away from Melissa to explain.”

I cross my arms in a defensive mode and steady my breathing. “I would rather not. I’m really tired, and I just want to go home.”

“Just give me five minutes. I want to explain,” he pleads.

“You want to explain how the girl everyone calls ‘psycho’ is Melissa. The girl—”

“She’s not really that bad.” He cringes after he says it.

I scoff. “I see she still has you fooled.” I shake my head, done with this conversation. I don’t want to cry in front of him. “Out of everyone, you had to choose her.” I close my eyes to stop the tears from coming. I turn around so he doesn’t see.

He grabs my arm, but there is a knock on the door. “Just let me explain,” he pleads, but he’s interrupted.

“Auggie.” It’s Melissa. “Are you in there?” She knocks.

Auggie shakes his head, eyes wide, but I ignore him. “Yeah, he’s in here.” I’m mentally exhausted. I walk around him, unlock the door, and open it to come face-to-face with Melissa.

She doesn’t look too happy to see me in here with Auggie. Still, her lips turn up in a smirk as she looks straight at me, but I know she’s speaking to Auggie when she says, “Are you ready to go home?”

I look back at Auggie and give him a “what the fuck” look, but he’s not looking at me. He’s looking down at the floor.

I glare at Melissa, “You know what? That sounds like a wonderful idea. Good night, you two.”

I have to walk away before I break down. I didn’t know what I would come back to, but Melissa and Auggie living together—being together—was not it.

I think I made a mistake. I never should have come back.